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Updated on November 08, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 3 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain SPF and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for brightening skin

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, parabens or sulfates

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

EltaMD, Inc UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Black Girl Sunscreen Sunscreen SPF 30

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients
spf rating
46
spf rating
30

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Zinc Oxide Cosmetic Colorant, Skin Protecting, UV Absorber
1 / 0 Mineral UV Filter IconHelps fight Acne IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon
Mineral UV FilterMineral UV Filter Icon Helps fight AcneHelps fight Acne Icon Non-Reef-SafeNon-Reef-Safe Icon

Zinc Oxide is a mineral broad-spectrum UV filter; it is the broadest UVA and UVB reflector approved by the FDA. While it is most commonly man-made for cosmetics, it can naturally occur in zincite, a rare mineral.

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate UV Absorber, UV Filter
0 / 0 Chemical UV Filter IconMay cause irritation IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon
Chemical UV FilterChemical UV Filter Icon 2 Concerns

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is an organic compound that provides UVB protection. It often goes by the more common name of octinoxate. It is created from methoxycinnamic acid and 2-ethylhexanol.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Water Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

Cyclomethicone Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
0 / 0 Silicon Icon
SiliconSilicon Icon

Cyclomethicone is a class of silicones used to improve the texture of products.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Niacinamide Smoothing
Niacinamide IconGood for Oily Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Dark Spots IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin Icon
NiacinamideNiacinamide Icon 6 Benefits

Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.

Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate Emollient

We don't have a description for Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate.

Unknown Full details ->
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer Emulsion Stabilising

This is a synthetic polymer. It helps improve the texture of products by adding thickness and gel-like feel.

Disliked Full details ->
Polyisobutene

Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer made from isobutene.

Disliked Full details ->
Peg-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether Emulsifying

This helper ingredient is a surfactant and emulsifier. It is created from coconut alcohol.

Unknown Full details ->
Sodium Hyaluronate Humectant, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid Icon
Hyaluronic AcidHyaluronic Acid Icon

Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Tocopheryl Acetate Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps brighten skin Icon
Vitamin EVitamin E Icon AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon Helps brighten skinHelps brighten skin Icon

Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Lactic Acid Buffering, Humectant, Skin Conditioning
AHA IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
AHAAHA Icon 6 Benefits 3 Concerns

Lactic Acid is an AHA that is derived from fermenting lactose, a carbohydrate from milk. It removes the top layer of old and dead skin cells and helps increase cell turnover.

Oleth-3 Phosphate
2 / 2

Oleth-3 Phosphate is created from phosphoric acid and Oleth-3.

2 Com. / 2 Irr.
Unknown Full details ->
Phenoxyethanol Preservative
Preservative Icon
PreservativePreservative Icon

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Butylene Glycol Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
1 / 0

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate Preservative
Preservative Icon
PreservativePreservative Icon

Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate is a preservative.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Triethoxycaprylylsilane

Triethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone used to bind and stabilize ingredients.

Disliked Full details ->
Sunscreen SPF 30
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane UV Absorber, UV Filter
Chemical UV Filter IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
Chemical UV FilterChemical UV Filter Icon 2 Concerns

Also known as Avobenzone, this ingredient is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-A range.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Homosalate Skin Conditioning, UV Absorber, UV Filter
Chemical UV Filter IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon
Chemical UV FilterChemical UV Filter Icon Non-Reef-SafeNon-Reef-Safe Icon

Homosalate is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-B range (280nm - 320 nm), with a peak protection at 306 nm. It is internationally approved for use in sunscreens.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Ethylhexyl Salicylate UV Absorber, UV Filter
0 / 0 Chemical UV Filter IconNon-Reef-Safe IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
Chemical UV FilterChemical UV Filter Icon 2 Concerns

Ethylhexyl Salicylate is an organic compound used to block UV rays. It primarily absorbs UVB rays but offers a small amount of UVA protection as well.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Disliked Full details ->
Octocrylene UV Absorber, UV Filter
Chemical UV Filter IconNon-Reef-Safe IconMay worsen Eczema Icon
Chemical UV FilterChemical UV Filter Icon 2 Concerns

Octocrylene protects skin from sun damage. It absorbs UV-B with peak absorption of 304 nm. It is a common sunscreen ingredient and often paired with avobenzone, a UVA filter. This is because octocrylene stabilizes other sunscreen ingredients by protecting them from degradation when exposed to sunlight. Octocrylene is a photostable ingredient and loses about 10% of SPF in 95 minutes.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer Emulsion Stabilising

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products.

Disliked Full details ->
Acrylates/C12-22 Alkyl Methacrylate Copolymer

We don't have a description for Acrylates/C12-22 Alkyl Methacrylate Copolymer.

Unknown Full details ->
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Skin Conditioning
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon
2 Benefits

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice comes from leaves of the aloe plant. Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is best known for helping to soothe sunburns. It is also anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, antiseptic, and can help heal wounds.

Butylphthalimide Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Butylphthalimide.

Unknown Full details ->
Carbomer Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming
1 / 0

Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create gel consistency within products.

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Disliked Full details ->
Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil Emollient, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Oil Icon
OilOil Icon

Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil is the oil obtained from the seed of the edible carrot. The oil is created by steaming and distilling the seeds of the plant.

Disodium EDTA

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

Disliked Full details ->
Ethylhexylglycerin Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Emollient, Masking, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
OilOil Icon Helps hydrate Dry SkinHelps hydrate Dry Skin Icon 2 Concerns

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil is the oil derived from the seeds of a Sunflower. Sunflower seed oil is non-fragrant. It is an emollient, meaning it helps to soften the skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Disliked Full details ->
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Emulsion Stabilising

This ingredient is a semi-synthetic polymer created from cellulose. In case you need a refresher, cellulose is the main component of plant cell walls.

Unknown Full details ->
Isopropylphthalimide Skin Conditioning, Solvent

We don't have a description for Isopropylphthalimide.

Unknown Full details ->
Lecithin Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning

Lecithin is a term for a group of substances found in plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of mixture of fatty acids. These fatty acids usually are a mixture of phosphoric acid's choline ester connected to stearic, oleic, and palmitic acids. Most lecithins are created from plant ingredients scuh as sunflower.

Disliked Full details ->
Persea Gratissima Oil Skin Conditioning
0-3 / 0 Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
OilOil Icon Helps hydrate Dry SkinHelps hydrate Dry Skin Icon Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Persea Gratissima Oil is made by pressing dehydrated avocado fruit from the tree Persea gratissima, Lauraceae.

0-3 Com. / 0 Irr.
Disliked Full details ->
Phenoxyethanol Preservative
Preservative Icon
PreservativePreservative Icon

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Propylene Glycol Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
0 / 0 May worsen Eczema Icon
May worsen EczemaMay worsen Eczema Icon

Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Disliked Full details ->
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil Emollient, Skin Conditioning
0-2 / 0 Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
OilOil Icon Helps hydrate Dry SkinHelps hydrate Dry Skin Icon Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

This ingredient is the fixed oil extracted from seeds of the desert shrub Jojoba. It is more commonly known as jojoba oil. The seed oil is liquid wax ester from the plant. It is non-comedogenic.

0-2 Com. / 0 Irr.
Sodium Hydroxide Buffering

Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.

Sorbitan Oleate Emulsifying
3 / 0 Bad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
2 Concerns

Sorbitan Oleate is created from compounds in oleic acid and sorbitol. It is used to stabilize a product by preventing ingredients from separating.

3 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter Emollient, Masking, Skin Conditioning
4 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
3 Concerns

Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter comes from the Theobroma cacoa, or Cacao tree. Cacao trees are native to tropical landscapes.

4 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Tocopheryl Acetate Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps brighten skin Icon
Vitamin EVitamin E Icon AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon Helps brighten skinHelps brighten skin Icon

Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Water Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Loved

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water
Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Liked

Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.

One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.

Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.

Learn more about Tocopheryl Acetate
Preservative
Very Disliked

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.

It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.

Ingredient Ratings

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
6
1
7
3
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated
Sunscreen SPF 30
3
4
14
4
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated

When to use

430 Routines
98% use in am
2% use in pm
96% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
229 Routines
95% use in am
6% use in pm
99% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

EltaMD, Inc UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 17 ingredients

3.7 /5
from 11 ratings
No Scent (3) Expensive (3) Pilling (2)
nja's avatar

nja

4 months ago · Sensitive Skin
Review

Feels SO comfortable on the skin, I want to keep using it. I also love that it's FA safe. But it pills after I blend out concealer with a sponge...

Feels SO comfortable on the skin, I want to keep using it. I also love that it's FA safe. But it pills after I blend out concealer with a sponge and I wonder how much of it is still on my face after that. It's supposed to be good for sensitive skin and while it's actually calming for my skin overall after I put it on, it also irritates the skin around my eyes - at the end of the day, there's always tiny little red bumps and I need to apply either LRP Cicaplast or Uriage Bariederm-Cica on that area before bed so that they go away by the next morning. I'm tired of doing this every day. I'm changing it to Bea Skincare sunscreen as soon as possible (had my eye on it for some time because the INCI seems so clean) and giving this to my less sensitive boyfriend.
EDIT: tried Bea sunscreen and didn't work out :/

febbynm's avatar

febbynm

3 years ago · Combination Skin
Review

No for me.
I actually really enjoy the consistency. It glides really nicely but oh my lord this thing PILLS like no other. It doesn’t matter if I...

No for me.
I actually really enjoy the consistency. It glides really nicely but oh my lord this thing PILLS like no other. It doesn’t matter if I rub, gently pat it in, or wait however amount of time after my moisturizer; it will pill making it especially impossible to wear under makeup.

Black Girl Sunscreen Sunscreen SPF 30 25 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 3 ratings
Hydrating (1) Light (1) No Scent (1)
tabby_274's avatar

tabby_274

1 year ago · Combination Skin
Review

holy moly
so i’ve tried both chemical and mineral sunscreens and whether they’re high end, korean, or just highly praised, they didn’t work for...

holy moly
so i’ve tried both chemical and mineral sunscreens and whether they’re high end, korean, or just highly praised, they didn’t work for me. the pilling and white cast was horrible in all of them. when i was in a rush i would skip the sunscreen for fear that my makeup would get ruined and i wouldn’t have time to redo it. however this is a sunscreen i will never skip out on. it feels amazing on the skin, it has a white creamy look but it fades completely clear. if you’re wondering, it works for lighter skin too. After all i don’t think anyone looks good with a white cast. i have sensitive skin as well and so far so good. buy it!!!!!!

lonelydeath's avatar

lonelydeath

2 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

I love how hydrating this sunscreen is and it also has amazing coverage. It was a life saver throughout the winter because it never once made my...

I love how hydrating this sunscreen is and it also has amazing coverage. It was a life saver throughout the winter because it never once made my skin feel dry and doesn't melt off when you sweat. However, it make me look shiny and kind of oily throughout the day. It took a while for it to absorb, but left a few spots on my face to still look shiny.